A.J. Pierzynski Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

This game offers low cost opportunity on both ends with Juan Nicasio having tonight's top matchup against the Braves (66 wRC+, 3.5 HR/FB, 4.3 Hard-Soft% vs RHP). Nicasio greatly struggles against LHBs (.410 wOBA since 2015) though and the Braves load the lineup with a couple of adequate ones tonight at low cost. In fact, all six LHBs in the lineup have at least a 102 wRC+ vs RHP since last year. A.J. Pierzynski (109 wRC+ vs RHP since 2015) is an excellent low cost catcher option in the cleanup spot tonight when the position is very weak overall. He has a 45.5 Hard% over the last week. Kelly Johnson (102 wRC+, .161 ISO vs RHP) is more of an average bat hitting 6th, but for below $3K. Freddy Freeman (145 wRC+, .227 ISO vs RHP) is more normally priced, but is the one bat that is definitely worth it and has four HRs vs Nicasio in just 17 PAs, while Markakis (117 wRC+ vs RHP) and Inciarte (116 wRC+ vs RHP) might provide some average cost value ahead of Freeman against a pitcher who struggles so greatly with LH bats. The Braves are still projected to score just 3.13 runs tonight though.

The flow chart reads "Who's facing the Braves". That's the entire flowchart as it has become a near must to roster the arm opposing lowly Atlanta (60 wRC+, 4.1 HR/FB at home, 65 wRC+, 3.6 HR/FB vs RHP). Jerad Eickhoff has a league averagish 22.5 K%, 9.6 SwStr% with a bit too much hard contact (33.0 Hard%) this season, but he's faced some powerful offenses, including St Louis and the Mets (twice). He should have an easier time here and a great secondary choice behind onen of tonight's studs. His $6.9K price tag on FanDuel makes him a borderline steal, which allows you to load up on top offenses. The Braves bats aren't necessarily off limits if you're paying up for pitching and looking for salary relief. Freddie Freeman (144 wRC+, .228 ISO vs RHP since 2015) is more expensive, but has gotten his stroke back recently (196 wRC+ last seven days), while Kelly Johnson (99 wRC+ vs RHP since last season) has been an average hitter in the cleanup spot for under $3K (as is Pierzynski behind him). Eickhoff has allowed a .363 wOBA to LHBs in his career.

Shelby Miller was worse last year against left-handed batters (4.48 xFIP), but this year 5 of his 6 HRs allowed have come against right-handed batters. Don't be deceived by these results, considering Miller has a 7.97 xFIP against left-handed batters so far in 2016. If you need a value today at catcher, start A.J. Pierzynski who will be batting cleanup today against Miller.

He may not have been hitting all that much this season, but is still their best hitter vs RHP since last season (135 wRC+, .218 ISO), so it's a bit odd the Braves have dropped Freeman to 6th with no real replacement up higher in the order. Rick Porcello is not cheap and for that reason may fly a bit under the radar despite the great matchup due to several other bigger names in his price range. He has allowed five HRs, but struck out at least seven in each start with a low 85.4 mph exit velocity. The Braves have a 3.3 HR/FB vs RHP this year and not a single long ball over the last week without really the personnel to take advantage of Porcello's biggest weakness. Adonis Garcia (99 wRC+ vs RHP) is about as average as they get, but does have a chance to pop one at a low price in a good lineup spot, while the same can be said of A.J. Pierzynski (115 wRC+ vs RHP since 2015) for the same price tag on both sites, but there's really very little to like in this lineup. Porcello, however, is an interesting play with some upside.

The Braves look to be catching a break tonight, facing Tanner Roark instead of Strasburg. Although the Braves are never going to be our top choice for offense, this puts a couple of their bats back on the board, specifically Freddie Freeman, who may now be a bit under-priced, though still not cheap. He has a 147 wRC+, .232 ISO, and 38.9 Hard% vs RHP since last season. Nick Markakis won't hit for power, but is next best with a 123 wRC+ vs RHP, while A.J. Pierzynski is at 113 since last season.